Author: davidscruise

I had enjoyed my dinner in The Crescent’s new-build restaurant, which I believe is roughly where the previous restaurant and ballroom used to be. While Lee was reluctant to join me for dinner, still feeling “under the weather”, we did meet up for breakfast this morning. I had enthused to him about all aspects of last night’s dinner, and at breakfast, in that same restaurant, we were shown to our table. Immediately, we were offered our choice of breakfast beverage, I, myself, opting a second time for Earl Grey tea, and this time, remembering to use the strainer!  Guests followed us, were shown to their tables, and for some reason, placed their breakfast orders before any waiter or waitress came to take our order. We had waited almost forty minutes, and I needed to remind somebody we were still there! Service after that became what it should be, with numerous checks that we now had all that we needed.

It is several years since the spectre of sciatica reared its ugly head.  While getting up yesterday morning, at home, I twisted my lower back ever so slightly, after which, I experienced a crescendo of discomfort and pain. Walking had become difficult, and rising from the leather sofas and chairs in various lounges and the Bar, an increasing challenge.  Nevertheless, I did sleep well and was able (with care) to make it to the bathroom numerous times in the night, always dropping back off to sleep.  I was reluctant to try the bath, lest I became marooned!  In the end, I did feel confident of not having the embarrassment of requesting assistance, and I enjoyed the soak of a lifetime! The discomfort became far more manageable and my day was not quite written off.  Lee urged me to make use of the Spa, and I agreed.  There are some brilliant facilities available, many included in the price of the room. But, I had forgotten to pack my trunks!

I walked into Buxton, but bumped into a former neighbour and got into well over an hour’s conversation.

Nevertheless, there was still plenty of time. I first went to Fitzgerald’s on Spring Gardens for a sandwich and coffee. There was still loads of time; I ventured to Potters of Buxton, from where I buy all my clothes and other stuff. I waited to be served, but no personnel was forthcoming. I went to a sports shop; but, they had returned all their stock of swimming trunks to their suppliers as it was no longer summer!  I ventured back to Potters. It was like “Groundhog Day”, the same elderly customer taking up the only sales assistant’s time, and an elderly lady seated on a chair, exactly the same as half an hour previously. My characteristic reluctance to avail myself of the Spa won the day, and eventually, after leafing through a couple of railway periodicals in my bedroom, while “Tipping Point” and “The Chase” failed to grab my attention on the T.V., I vacated my “junior suite” for an evening stroll in the Pavilion Gardens.

I enjoyed my walk, stopping to take photographs fairly frequently.

In fact, I started writing this blog seated on an almost dry park bench just below the Broadwalk. Then, it was time to leg-it to the Hotel to change for dinner, for my third helping of leek and potato soup….just as delicious and piping hot.  I am trying a liver dish for my main course, replacing a side plate of chips for a mixed salad!

I have just finished what sadly has to be my final dinner here. I will look back on these two visits, last week and this, with considerable pleasure. I think, generally, The Crescent has been well received. Obviously, these are very early days, and as such was pleased that any issues I experienced were very few and insignificant. Breakfast can be slow, as previously described. Nevertheless, the menu offers a comprehensive choice, and there is little need for lunch! If I am a tad disgruntled, it is more with the probable effects of Coronavirus when walking around the Pavilion Gardens. The complex has a sad air of neglect, e.g. grubby windows, peeling paintwork. It’s not derelict; the Octagon was being used as a gym when I walked by. But then, the new jewel in Buxton’s crown, gleaming like the Coliseum probably highlights the surrounding room for improvement. However, I did, very much enjoy my “holiday in Buxton”.

Many thanks for reading; this blog was written tonight in Pavilion Gardens, in the Hotel and in my room. David 22.42 hrs. 7/10/20.

I did question my wisdom in having two stays at the newly opened Crescent in its first two weeks of operation. I had enjoyed the opening night enormously, but holidaying in one’s home town twice in a month does seem hard to justify.

However, here I am, seated comfortably for a second time in a restaurant “straight from London’s West End”. My room, 204, is probably three times the size of the more than adequate Classic room 110 that I was most impressed with last week. Once again, I am alone, my friend from Buxton Festival who is also staying here unfortunately feeling unwell, and thus unable to join me for dinner. For a second time, I chose leek and potato soup for a starter, and was just as delicious as last week, and piping hot. I have chosen a beef dish for my main, and tonight, final course. I rather think the fabulous berry trifle last week may have triggered diabetic symptoms. I have felt incredibly tired over the last few days. Lee and I took a tour of the spa, pool and gym facilities which I had seen last week, after having partaken of a sandwich and leaf tea in the Bar.

Tonight’s dinner was perfect, each course being served at a comfortable pace, but with no huge waits. This is an excellent place for a celebratory meal. The buzz of surrounding conversation adds to tonight’s genteel ambiance. I had no “space” for a dessert, but I did opt for a decaffeinated coffee to round off an agreeable evening. I am in no hurry and once again, I feel a million miles from Buxton. Even when walking in the Pavilion Gardens last week, I still felt a long way from home.

Here are a few pictures I took today.

I will write further, tomorrow and on Thursday, after which time, I shall have to stay away….reluctantly!

Thanks for reading, David, 2059 hrs, Buxton.

Started to write, 08.49 hrs, Tue. 6th October.

I had slept magnificently prior to getting up on Saturday morning, but for some strange reason, still feeling as if I had been up all night. Settling down on the sofa, and starting to watch a crummy detective episode, possibly Midsomer Murders, I became aware of buzzing tone which at first, assumed was part of what I was watching. Checking, I found that it was my mobile alerting me to the fact that I had forgotten a luncheon appointment. Fortunately, I was only marginally late, but I had already partaken of a late breakfast. Thus, I couldn’t quite finish my shepherd’s pie!

During lunch, I was asked about my stay at The Crescent Hotel on its opening night. I was, and still remain enthusiastic, but also realistic. With covid-19 still causing severe restrictions all-round, I do fear for the immediate future of all leisure based enterprises. I have “modest” travel plans for next year, and a world voyage booked for January 2022. But, all this assumes an eventual recovery from the present situation. After lunch, I went home and continued an almost all day session watching T.V. and then, once again, enjoying a good sleep into Sunday morning.

I missed the first few minutes of Sunday Worship, but caught the rest of the programme celebrating Harvest Festival. Part of the dialogue lamented our abuse of the planet, as it seems, so did this week’s church service at St. John’s. There was a respectable congregation this week, and an abundance of food and gifts for those who need it, both at the North Door, and the altar. The choir of six sounded larger than it actually was, and as ever, were wonderful to listen to. But, it is still strange with everybody covering their faces with either masks or visors.

Having dined out rather a lot last week, I chose to prepare a Sundsy meal of plaice vegetables and potato at home. It wasn’t at all bad! By the time it was 10.30pm, I needed to “call it a day” and so treated myself to a rare early night.

Yesterday, Monday, at long last, I felt the benefit of my extravagances last week and three good sleeps. Roger came over for coffee, having arrived back on Saturday from a three week campervan tour around the Western Isles of Scotland, as well as the Lakes on the way there and back.

Later today, I shall return to the Crescent Hotel where I shall meet a friend and former colleague from the Buxton Festival who is treating himself to a night there.

Thanks for reading, David 09.55, 6/10/20.

I didn’t sleep particularly well last night. That wasn’t a fault of the Hotel, this is something which happens particularly if I forget (as I did last night) to take my statin medication, which can aid a decent sleep, as a welcome side-effect. The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable and I assume I was the first person ever to occupy Room 110. There had been a “soft opening” around four weeks previously, for VIPs and others associated with the Hotel’s restoration.

Breakfast, although drawn out, was a special treat, as was the entire stay at the Crescent. Food from the buffet was brought to the table by waiters. I am sure, as time progresses, the service will become just that bit speedier. I enjoyed piping hot porridge, an egg-free “Full English”, toast and Earl Grey leaf tea, complete with strainer.

A socially distanced queue of people waiting to check out created a last minute opportunity to explore the Spa and Gym area, spanning several floors including the basement where once the Pauper’s Pit hosted very cosy theatre and other entertainment. I forget the name of the nightclub/disco which thrived in that same basement towards the end of the last century. All that has been redeveloped as a sophisticated spa offering all manner of treatments and therapies. I was shown all this by Rachel who took a great deal of time and trouble to explain each area, and show me as much of the hotel that was accessible. It was lunch time before, eventually, I checked out.

So, the very long awaited opening of The Crescent has actually happened. It was a long time coming, but walking around, I felt that it was worth the wait. I look forward to the end of the Covid crisis when we no longer have to wear masks, and the world can “carry on where it left off”.

This was a special treat and I am booked in for next week for two nights. This blog is not intended as a critique, merely my personal account of this historic local event, which I wouldn’t have “missed for the world”.

Thanks for reading, David, 14.15hrs, back home in Harpur Hill.

Between 2.30 and 3.30pm approximately.

Greetings from the bar of the Crescent Hotel, Buxton.  I am impressed!  Yesterday and the day before were “routine and quite unremarkable”, but today, 1st October will go down in the annals of local history as the day The Crescent opened its doors to the public for the first time since 1992 when The St. Ann’s finally closed its doors. In the 19th century, the St. Ann’s occupied the “west side” of the building, the Crescent the eastern end, nearest Spring Gardens and the  (then) two railway stations, LNWR, and Midland.

Normally, I would find at least something I would be disappointed with. But, already, I am a huge fan of the Crescent. I wouldn’t have objected if the exterior stonework had been (if it was possible) re-dressed, but historic signs of the hotel’s past might well have been obliterated, which would have been a great pity. 

Inside, the restoration is as classy as any hotel I have stayed in, and I find there is very little, if any, room for improvement. The colour scheme in the corridors is simple, distinctive and tasteful; the gold stenciled signage also. 

I have been allocated Room 110, one of the few Classic rooms facing The Slopes. It appears not to have been “re-shaped” but, it is extremely well appointed with all anyone would need for a night or two in a 5 star spa hotel. I doubt that I shall see the entire complex in the short time I am staying this week.

Before all of this, I had a dental appointment at 1.30 this afternoon. The dentist felt that my recent toothache should be investigated, and thus concluded that, should the discomfort recur, (and he assured me that it would), at least one tooth would need to be extracted!  Just what I needed to hear before my decadent time at the Crescent. This morning, I had dropped into town to replace a pair of obviously worn out shoes, buy some shoe polish, and have a quick look at where I would be residing this afternoon and tonight. Already, people were checking in; the Hotel had decided to open its doors early at 11am rather than four hours later to negate possible over-crowding and thwart the spread of any Coronavirus floating around at the time.  I checked in at the hotel immediately following my dental appointment. I had not yet had lunch and was ready for something to eat. I was pointed in the direction of the bar.

My meal there “did the trick” but was not going to spoil my pre-paid dinner tonight at 8 o’clock.  My choice of tomato soup would be the first helping of my favourite starter to be served in the new Hotel. To follow, three not very big sausages on a bed of very nice mashed potato with some fancy dark green garnishing. So yes, I wasn’t wowed by what I  had chosen as a main course for a rather late lunch. It looked small, but in fact, my appetite for dinner is somewhat diminished!

I am enjoying today enormously. I have relaxed in my Classic room, watching a little TV and perusing this month’s Heritage Railway. I have strolled part-way along Buxton’s Broadwalk whose Victorian street lights gleam most effectively as the sun dips below the trees and houses.  One of the Hotel personnel showed me an area not yet open to the public, where Victorian newspapers had been uncovered beneath the floorboards, and are now carefully framed and displayed.

Now, it’s time to change for dinner.

The restaurant seems full, the menu, very “West End”. I have ordered leek and potato soup, followed by chicken and mash with a side plate of broccoli.  I am one of just two or three wearing a tie. I need not have worried about the dress code as long as what one was wearing looked “trendy”.  While I consider myself young at heart, somehow, my instincts are to go for jacket and tie, which is rarely the fashion these days.

I have found all the hotel personnel attentive, courteous, efficient and enthusiastic, as pleased as I am to be here on the opening night. The restaurant is very good indeed, but needless to say, not cheap. That’s actually a good thing. In London, I have paid an “arm and a leg” for nouvelle cuisine which no matter how many add-ons one chooses, you still leave the eatery feeling as hungry as before you went in. That is certainly not the case here; perhaps too many nights here might undo the benefits of careful dieting.

There are no disappointments here. The circa 220 year old complex, originally of shops and apartments and then, later, hotels, has been successfully “exhumed” at phenomenal expense, from the hard times leading to its closure and subsequent temporary abandonment. Every room has come back to life, and the whole place lit up like a cruise ship.

I am awaiting a dessert which really I should have “passed” on. But, because of the Covid-19 regulations, I have to be out of the restaurant in 13 minutes!

All in all, apart from a trip to the dentist, a most enjoyable, and certainly, memorable day!

Thanks for reading, David, Crescent Hotel 21.48 hrs.

13.12 hrs 6, The Square, Buxton.

Who would have thought, this time last year, that today, it would be mandatory to wear face masks in public buildings, groups of more than six would be against the law, and that generally, pandemonium, panic, and pandemic would plague the planet…how’s that for alliteration! Life has become suddenly strange, it feels sudden, but in fact, ominous signs were quite apparent at the end of January. At the beginning of this year, I was expecting, right now to be completing an air/sea/rail circumnavigation of the World.

(Back home 16.46 hrs)

This, obviously couldn’t take place, now, or, as has been decided by Cunard, next year. I have transferred all deposits to a voyage to Australia in 2022. If this actually does come to pass, I shall be celebrating my 73rd birthday on the other side of the world. We shall see.

I have joined the millions of people who have signed up to the NHS Track and Trace scheme, which sounds impressive. But it can only really be effective if almost everybody eligible signs up.

I needed to go to Higher Buxton today. It still felt cool when I drove in at lunch time. After parking at the railway station, I then treated my self to a fairly light meal at “6 The Square”, a traditional tea house. Although doors and windows were open to reduce the risk of coronavirus, it did not feel too cold. After a combination deal of soup, coronation chicken sandwiches and mixed salad, with two pots of tea, I felt energetic and chose to walk around the Pavilion Gardens and enjoy the onset of autumn colours, taking photographs at every suitable opportunity, as shown earlier in this blog. It made an attractive change from my usual treks along one-time railway lines. Annoyingly, despite having had something to eat, I still started to feel slightly unsteady and wondered if again, I would have to get home as quickly as possible. I am fine now (17.53hrs). Its a nice evening and I shall set off again to achieve my modest target.

I never thought I would see the day, but at long last, after a litany of setbacks, The Crescent Hotel is set to open at 15.00hrs on Thursday 1st October. My room for that inaugural night is secured, and this will be the first time I will have set foot there since acting as D.J. in the final days of what was the St. Anne’s Hotel in the late 1980s. The interior pictures I have seen so far are hugely impressive, and I look forward to the time when the covid-19 crisis is no more, and this magnificent project can come into its own. Needless to say, I shall see as much of the hotel as I can on Thursday and Friday morning, hopefully, posting some early historic images.

It turned into a very nice day this afternoon and was warm enough to drive home with the roof down.

Thanks for reading, David 18.53. at home.

Boy! Am I glad that toothache is (I hope) no more. I am convinced that the cocktail of amoxicillin, paracetamol and asprin conspired to make me feel a tad light- headed when I went walking on Tuesday. Nevertheless, looking back on the pictures I took that day, I felt that I had spent my time well. Here are a few more pictures taken on Tuesday (day 179)

Day 180. Wednesday 23rd September.

After Tuesday’s exertions, I needed a more relaxed day, yesterday, Wednesday. I texted my weekly shopping order in the morning, and took delivery of everything I ordered in the afternoon. I still managed a brief walk during the day, around part of the “estate”. Like all other days, yesterday passed quickly and all too soon, overcome with heavy eyes, I “hit the hay” the right side of midnight.

Day 181

I have been using this abundance of time to myself in an effort to “put my house in order” – literally. The gift of a glass fronted cabinet enabled me to declutter the lounge. And now, before retiring for the evening, I routinely tidy up completely, downstairs so that I have a nice fresh start each morning when eventually, I come down for breakfast. Before lunch, I set off on what I intended to merely be a twenty minute walk. That twenty minutes passed quickly, so I decided on a two mile round trip, keeping to a built up itinerary. The Parks Inn beckoned, and it was lunchtime. I succumbed…and chicken Thai curry was delicious and served piping hot, as were the two cups of coffee which accompanied my lunch. I asked for the bill, which was presented to me more or less, straight away. “Where’s my wallet?” I asked myself as my hand went into an unexpectedly empty pocket! “Whoops! I am going to have to walk home…sorry about that”, I pleaded with the person who had brought my bill over. “No problem”, he agreed. Sure enough, I had not picked up my wallet when I went out; my bill was then settled within the hour. I look forward to trying out the Sunday carvery soon!

New lockdown regulations are making life very hard for those in the hospitality and entertainment industries. But at least, venues can stay open, but not after 10 pm. I remain confused about what restrictions are in force, compulsory or otherwise. But generally, I am staying away from anywhere it’s crowded.

As ever, thanks for reading. David, 21.57 Thursday 24th….just one week before The Crescent Hotel opens its doors. I can’t wait!

Saturday was more a less a write-off as painful discomfort from a possible infection where once root canal surgery was performed, had kept me awake for the entire night. However, I was armed with amoxicillin, paracetamol and aspirin to dull that pain. Sunday, I thought I had “won the battle”; I did feel somewhat light-headed for much of what was a glorious autumn day, with a hint of decent warmth. Having rung one or two people to let them know I was much better, a nocturnal throbbing in my right lower jaw reminded me that I should take further painkillers. To begin with, this had little effect, but I did get to sleep. At long last, on Monday, the amoxicillin began to take real effect, negating the need for other painkillers.

By Tuesday, apart from a momentary throb of toothache, I have enjoyed a return to normality. Lee, from Buxton Festival rang me with an invitation to make the most of what remains of the decent weather. For a second time, I drove over to where he lives in Mottram and he introduced me to the Longdenden Trail, again over a former railway line. This was different to the predominantly former freight, and infrequent passenger lines adapted similarly closer to home. No, this was the route of Britain’s first electrified main line from Manchester to Sheffield. Nature has overwhelmed what was once a robust and prominent infrastructure which one would have thought would still be flourishing today. Seemingly stupid decisions were made nearly forty years ago just as they are today. Passenger services between Manchester and Sheffield had ceased in 1969. I travelled on that final day. Two classes of electric locomotives handled both freight and passenger work, some of the engines bearing names on cast brass plates. One such nameplate resides in my collection, a 21st birthday present from Mum and Dad in 1970. I think we might have covered six miles; not for the first time, I felt a hint of light headedness towards the end of the walk. Food was what I needed, and on returning to the car, we adjourned to where a carvery was up and running. A plate of food did the trick.

I left Lee at his 18th century cottage after having thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Again, I had feasted my eyes on jaw-dropping countryside. Lovely as this walk is, like the Monsal Trail, it would be much better as a thriving railway. But both walks do attract many thousands each year who would object to train services being re- introduced along what are exceptionally scenic walking and cycling routes.

Thanks for reading, David 00.52hrs Wednesday 23/9/20.

As you will note from my last blog, I didn’t “hit the hay” until just after 1am.  Going to bed late never guarantees a jolly good lie-in the following morning. My intention was to walk from home over the now familiar route which takes me along the dismantled freight line which used to run (from the mid 1890s) to Ladmanlow.  From there to Whaley Bridge had been discontinued when the more efficient route between Whaley Bridge, Buxton (still open as part of the local line to Manchester) and Parsley Hay had been established as a through route to Ashbourne, which, according to my contemporary booklet was “intended to be open on 1st August 1899.

Instead, I chose to walk to Higher Buxton Post Office where I would pay in a modest Premium Bond win. Like all Bond holders, I hope for “the big one!” I treated myself to Derbyshire Oatcakes at the Tradesman’s Entrance before making my way home…on the ‘bus! The weather was still equatorial and walking home was more punishing than pleasure.

Day 174

Wednesday saw an end to that snippet of an Indian summer. The sky was grey and the inclination to walk, gone completely. A cold breeze blew away any incentive I might have had to go walking for a third consecutive day. I chilled out at home, catching up on any outstanding housework. The day before, I had the hall, stairs and landing carpet cleaned. It now looks as if it has just been laid.

Day 175

Yesterday was much better, and feeling rejuvenated after a decent sleep, I did walk over the route I intended to on Tuesday. It seemed to go quickly. I arrived home in time to prepare a salad lunch, and enjoy the rest of the day. Annoyingly, painful discomfort manifested itself in my lower jaw, right hand side.

Day 176 Friday 12th September.

The tooth-ache “wasn’t for turning”, as I realised that I had no option but to ring the Dentist. In less than two hours, I was picking up a prescription for appropriate antibiotics at the pharmacy. I have had this same medication previously; I hope it’s just as effective.

Auntie Stella who died recently, was cremated today at Weymouth Crematorium. My cousin, Peter, had sent me a “link” so that I could “attend” the ceremony, on line. I felt as if some future century had arrived prematurely, as only immediate family were allowed to attend, all wearing face-masks. When the pandemic is no more, perhaps we could all attend a memorial service. Auntie Stella was the last of that generation of our family.

I will write more when the tooth-ache has eased up a little.

Thanks for reading,

David.13.53hrs 18/9/20.

Sometime ago, in a previous blog, I predicted an Indian summer, and was beginning to think that my psychic powers were substantially diminished, as the nights drew in with the onset of “meteorological autumn”.  But Monday 14th September proved me right after-all. Yesterday wasn’t bad either as I settled into a sun-lounger, after Sunday lunch at the Old Hall, planted headphones into my ears and drifted away to what I had hoped would be Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, all five movements, courtesy of YouTube via my phone. I chose the Simon Rattle recording with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.  I lay motionless as the sun dipped slowly towards the horizon of Axe Edge, designer sunglasses protecting my fragile eyes.  I was, as they say, “away with the fairies”.  That was until not long after the opening of the third movement….the whole thing stopped and within the “flick of a switch” I was back to an abrupt reality! I pressed what I thought were the correct buttons, only to be fast-forwarded to the last triumphant explosion of the finale. Goodness! I had missed all that magnificent music in between.  Then I found that the finale was of a completely different performance (of the same symphony, that is!) My attempt to listen to the last two movements of Pictures at an Exhibition was equally unsuccessful.

Today sees me enjoying the kind of weather we could have done with in August. Not for the first time, I have walked to Parsley Hay from Hurdlow, two miles. It seems “the world and his wife” had the same idea.  But at least the cafe was open at Parsley Hay on the site of the L.N.W.R. railway station.  If only that former railway had attracted similar attention when open! Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a satisfactory case for reinstating a rail service between Buxton and Ashbourne.

After a “Butcher’s Ham and Cheese” panini, and a bottle of water, I continued as far as Newhaven Tunnel over which a busy A515 passes. It’s a little over a mile “round trip” from Parsley Hay, where I called for further refreshments on my way back to Hurdlow. It is customary to pay for parking, and although I did pay today, I was on the High Peak Trail for far longer than the two hours I had paid for. Thus, at Parsley Hay, I acquired a year long parking permit which covers much of the High Peak and its surrounds. There is, now, the incentive to get “my money’s worth”.

I have just got back to my vehicle which thankfully, hadn’t attracted a parking ticket. It’s just before a quarter to six and the sun is shining on the partially wooded hillside opposite. We are promised a fine week. Hopefully, I can maintain the desire to explore and ramble in those next few days.

The walk back to Hurdlow was extremely pleasant; there was no breeze. I decided to continue further past the site of Hurdlow Station which closed on 15th August 1949 with regular passenger services ceasing five years later. I am always after any genuine artefacts from the Buxton to Ashbourne line, as well as the Cromford and High Peak Railway.

Needless to say, I was ready for some rest when I arrived home just before 7 o’clock. I finished off the spaghetti bolognese for supper, watched some T.V. and then went for a midnight stroll to the end of Trenchard Drive. I have posted this picture before. However, this does illustrate where I live, long after the sun has gone down.

Once again, it’s the next day! Thanks for reading, David, 00.37hrs 15th September 2020.